What’s your organization’s vision—and is it really driving you forward? In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University demystify vision statements, explaining what it is (and what it’s not), why it often gets confused with mission, and how to craft a clear, actionable vision that inspires and aligns your team.

They’ll walk you through a step-by-step process for creating your own vision and share practical litmus tests to ensure it’s both meaningful and effective. Whether you’re leading a startup, a nonprofit, or a Fortune 500 company, this episode will equip you with the tools to develop a vision that sparks action and delivers results.

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University unpack the critical difference between outdated leadership models and systems leadership. They explain why organizations are more like flocks—dynamic, adaptive, and interdependent—than clocks with rigid, mechanical structures.

Learn why traditional approaches like planning, commanding, controlling, and hyper-utilization don’t just fail—they actively prevent your organization from adapting and thriving in complex environments. Through practical insights and real-world examples, they’ll show you how systems leadership fosters agility, resilience, and the kind of results that rigid systems can only dream of. Ready to ditch the old playbook? Tune in and transform your organization.

Forget the usual “new year, new you” clichés. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University dive into how a systems thinker sets New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions have become a hedge for intentional self-improvement. What if instead we just made ourselves a little bit better everyday? 

And because no episode is complete without a little mind-bending fun, they take a fascinating tangent into the concept of free will—and how nobody has it. Listen as they prove that there is no free will, just localized choice. Start your year with clarity, curiosity, and a systems thinking edge.

The holidays can be magical—but they can also be downright stressful. In this special holiday episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University share their top strategies for staying sane during the season. Learn how to challenge your mental models about family, expectations, and traditions to create a more meaningful and less stressful holiday experience.

They’ll show you the power of “loving reality” as it is, not as you wish it to be, and why saying the “crazy part” out loud can defuse tension and spark connection. Whether you’re navigating tricky family dynamics, endless to-do lists, or your own expectations, this episode is your gift for a calmer, happier holiday. 🎄✨

Can you measure thinking? Absolutely—and it might just be the most powerful tool you’re not using. In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera break down how we can measure the quality of our thinking and why doing so is a game-changer for personal growth, leadership, and decision-making.

They dive into the importance of measuring what truly matters, showing how clear metrics for thinking can help you identify blind spots, sharpen your mind, and get better results in every area of life. If you’re serious about improving yourself, your work, and your impact, this episode will give you the tools to measure your thinking—and take it to the next level.

Think you know systems thinking? Think again. In this hard-hitting episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take on the 8 biggest myths—those sacred cows everyone gets wrong—and crush them with straight-up truth and practical fixes.

From the fluff to the fumbles, they’ll show you what’s holding you back and give you no-nonsense replacements to level up your thinking game. If you want to cut through the BS and master real systems thinking, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take you on a journey from the basics of network theory to explaining why understanding networks is critical for making sense of the world. They explore how DSRP theory—Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives—does more than complement network theory; it transforms how we understand nodes and the dynamics of connections.

With practical examples and clear explanations, they’ll show you why network theory matters in your personal and professional life and how DSRP makes it accessible, actionable, and infinitely more powerful. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this episode equips you with the tools to see, understand, and influence networks like never before.

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University, lay out a clear, no-nonsense protocol for practicing systems thinking and DSRP (Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, Perspectives) in under one minute. Perfect for busy people looking to sharpen their mental game, this quick, practical approach will immediately improve the way you think about problems, people, and possibilities.

Learn how to apply this simple method anytime, anywhere—at work, at home, or in conversation. By mastering this one-minute practice, you'll unlock the mental edge to tackle complexity, make smarter decisions, and stand out as the guy who always sees the big picture.

In this episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University take a hard look at the dissatisfaction with the education system and why it’s failing teachers, parents, administrators, and especially students. They explore how to separate the concept of schooling from true learning, inspiring a lifelong love for discovery and self-improvement.

Beyond personal growth, they share an urgent call to action: how can we give educators and students the tools and support they desperately need to thrive? Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or someone hungry to learn, this episode will ignite your passion for creating a better future—inside and outside the classroom.

In this week’s episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera of Cornell University reveal the powerful skill of "hearing the underlying structure" in common phrases, giving you a deeper edge in every interaction. By tuning into these hidden layers, you’ll start to pick up on subtle cues that go beyond words—allowing you to truly understand what others are saying and where they’re coming from. Whether in business, relationships, or personal growth, this episode equips you to decode conversations and be a sharper, more effective communicator.